You have decided you want a new smart phone. The majority of smart phones are either iPhone or Android based, how would you choose which phone best suits you? The following steps will guide you to the most important aspects you need to take into consideration before you make your choice.

Steps

1

Know the difference: Android and iPhone are similar, yet they have some clear differences.

Do you like to change the look and feel of your phone every now and then? Do you like to use third party apps if you're not satisfied with the ones that came with your phone? Do you heavily rely on Google's suite of apps(Drive,Gmail, Google Maps)? If so then consider buying an Android phone.

Do you like things the way they came? Do you want a smartphone that feels premium and also does not compromise on functionality? Do you rely on Apple's suite of apps(Apple Maps, iWork, iMessage)? If so, consider purchasing an Apple iPhone.

2

Choose which screen size suits you the most. Do you prefer small, medium or big screen sizes? iPhone comes in a few standard sizes , 3.5 (diagonal) such as the iPhone 4S or the 4" (Diagonal) like the iPhone 5 and the 5S or the new larger iPhone 6 (4.7" screen) and the iPhone 6+ (5.5" screen). By contrast, Android devices come in many sizes, ranging from compact, such as the Motorola Moto G and large, such as the Nexus 6.

3

Decide if the hardware is more important to you. Do you like the latest and greatest specs? Do you want blazing fast processing speeds and a camera with loads of megapixels? You may consider buying the top end Android smartphones or the iPhone 6+.

4

Consider if the simplicity of the UI matters more to you. It may not have blindingly fast processor speeds or a monstrous RAM, but it performs just as well, with seamless performance. The iPhone's UI is quite easy to use in contrast to Android, which presents a slight learning curve.

5

Consider the smartphone design. No smartphone is unquestionably better than the other. There are many accessories for iPhones and Android phones alike. Looks and aesthetics of a phone matter just as much as the hardware specs of it.

6

Try using your shortlisted phones.

Keyboard. Try to type some words using the iPhone keyboard and some with Android keyboard. Both are virtual keyboard with physical feedback(Only on Android phones) but you may find that one is better suited to your fingers and the way you type than the other.

Media: transferring media files(Music,Movies) to your iPhone is be done via iTunes (software installed on your computer that takes a while to get used to) while Android can accept files by simply connecting a USB cable to your computer. The quality of the audio depends on the specific device.

Camera: similar to Music, Android photos can be transferred from the device to the computer via USB cable while iPhone photos need iTunes or special other software. The quality of the pictures depends on the specific device.

Radio: some Android phones have built-in FM radio ,While the Apple has launched an app to simulate radio functionality.

Simple or advanced: the iPhone interface make use of a single 'Home' button and the app interface usually display a virtual 'Back' button. Android 'Back' button is sometimes physical and it has another very useful 'Details' button that usually displays advanced options. If you never look for any advanced features you will not miss this button but it often(depending on what app you use) comes in handy.

7

Consider if you're okay with the update plans of the respective OS: Apple usually pushes upgrade to all its devices quickly. Android updates take time as they have to be tested and customized to the manufacturer's theme. Except for the Nexus series and a few other phones, android updates take a few months after a new version has been launched. Some people want to be on the bleeding edge of technology and want the latest and greatest update as soon as it is out, others are satisfied if their phones eventually get an update and yet other simply do not bother updating at all. Consider which category you fall in, and choose your smartphone accordingly.

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Tips

Do not believe the hype. For some people, the iPhone works best, for others, android fits their bill. Do not buy a smartphone because it's trendy or cool. Find the one which will suit your needs.

There are flaws with both, Android and Apple. If used with care, both will serve you well.

If possible, buy an unlocked and unsubsidized phone. It may cost more upfront, but you will save more in the long term.

In order to test a phone try to type a text message, make a call, play some music, browse the web, change the display settings and check the general settings.

Refrain from visiting sites that are fansites. There are hundreds of fansites for Android and Apple, which push their ideas as to why one is better than the other.They will only mislead you into buying a phone that you do not want.

Contradictory to the myth,Android phones are neither cheap, nor shoddily built. Many new high end Android phones are just as well built as the iPhone. A high price tag does not necessarily mean high quality.

Aim to buy a smartphone with the intention of using it for at least 2 years. Most phone contracts last for two years, it is wise to buy a phone accordingly.

Warnings

This article lists only the most important questions you need to ask yourself before buying a smartphone and is not meant to be comprehensive.

About this wikiHow

"This article really helped me choose the device I am going to purchase. It broke down the most important aspects of each device and mentioned a couple I had not thought of; OS updates, for example, never occurred to me. Lastly, the article is well written, concise, and informative, and doesn't seem to lean in either direction; I'm simply given the information and left to make my own choice. I love this site. I've found answers to a plethora of questions. I will be back again, I'm sure if it. "..." more

LC

Luci Carro

May 5, 2016

"Gave a well balanced list of points for both types of phones. It supplied enough information to help me feel like I could do well informed research into the topic in order to gather more knowledge if necessary. Thank you!"..." more

IK

Irit Kaplan

May 11, 2016

"Honesty about both types of smartphone. I like hearing both sides of what's important to people. It's good advice not to buy a phone just because it's trendy and everyone has it. Functionality is of more importance."..." more

A

Anonymous

Dec 20, 2016

"Every single point was very useful to me as a new smartphone buyer. I was very confused about how to choose phone between iOS and Android. Now, at least I know how to decide which one is suitable for me."..." more